The Feel Good Farm, LLC receives Value-Added Producer Grant from USDA

Feb. 14, 2012 - PRLog -- The Feel Good Farm, LLC announces today it has been selected to receive a Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) from USDA. A 60-acre certified organic farming operation in Sheridan, The Feel Good Farm grows a variety of crops that are used by Green B.E.A.N. Delivery, an online home delivery service that provides organic produce and natural groceries to its members.

One of only three VAPG recipients in the state of Indiana, The Feel Good Farm will use the funds to conduct a feasibility study and create a business plan for a line of soups sourced from its farm.

“We are thrilled to have been selected for such an exciting opportunity,” said Matthew Ewer, president and co-founder of The Feel Good Farm. “The farm is important because it gives us an opportunity to grow many of the organic items we deliver. This grant will allow us to start working toward the next phase for our farm: developing a line of shelf-stable soups from ingredients grown right on our own farm. Soon, our customers will be able to reach into their pantry year-round and find those same delicious, organic vegetables they love to eat fresh in the summer and fall.”

The Feel Good Farm and B.E.A.N., LLC are owned by husband and wife Matthew Ewer and Elizabeth Blessing. Under B.E.A.N., LLC’s umbrella of companies are a number of subsidiaries, including Green B.E.A.N. Delivery, Tiny Footprint Distribution and Farm to Kitchen Foods, each focused on building food systems and businesses that address the Midwest’s greatest food challenges.

USDA selected 298 recipients in 44 states and Puerto Rico to receive business development assistance through the VAPG program. The funding will be used to create jobs and strengthen the economic foundation of rural America.

The VAPGs total more than $40.2 million. Funds may be used for feasibility studies or business plans, working capital for marketing value-added agricultural products and for farm-based renewable energy projects. Eligible applicants include independent producers, farmer and rancher cooperatives, agricultural producer groups and majority-controlled producer-based business ventures. Value-added products are created when a producer increases the consumer value of an agricultural commodity in the production or processing stage.

USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure and facility programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $155 billion in affordable loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers, and improve the quality of life in rural America. Further information on rural programs is available at a local USDA Rural Development office or by visiting USDA Rural Development's web site at http://www.rurdev.usda.gov.

For a complete list of recipients receiving grants please click here.

For more information on the family B.E.A.N., LLC companies, visit http://www.greenbeandelivery.com/indianapolis/index.php/a....

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About B.E.A.N., LLC
B.E.A.N., LLC is a company focused on building food systems and businesses that address the Midwest’s greatest food challenges. B.E.A.N. stands for the principles that guide the company’s mission: Biodynamic, Education, Agriculture and Nutrition. Other company initiatives include Farm to Kitchen Foods, homemade food crafted by Executive Chef Brandon Hamilton; Tiny Footprint Distribution, focused on distributing locally made products to retail stores; and Cool School Lunch, organic and all-natural foods for schools and non-profit organizations. For more information, visit http://www.GreenBEANDelivery.com.

Green B.E.A.N. Delivery is an online home delivery service that provides organic produce and natural groceries to its members in Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, Ind., Cincinnati, Columbus and Dayton, Ohio, Louisville, Ky. The company provides an avenue for local artisans and farmers to share their crafts and talents with community members.